FO Blames India for Terror Strikes in Pakistan

The Foreign Office (FO) has accused India of being behind terrorist attacks in Pakistan. During a weekly briefing in Islamabad, FO spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan confirmed that the rescue operation following the Jaffar Express attack had been successfully completed. He also stated that intelligence reports indicated the terrorists were in contact with their associates in Afghanistan during the attack.

The Jaffar Express was ambushed on Tuesday by separatist militants while traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. The attackers blew up the railway track and fired rockets at the train. A two-day operation was conducted by security forces to neutralise the terrorists. Following the rescue, Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated that 21 hostages lost their lives during the standoff. However, the ISPR clarified that no civilians were harmed in the final operation.

Read more: Security Forces Bring an End to Jaffar Express Siege

FO spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s concerns over terrorist groups using Afghan soil for cross-border attacks. “We have repeatedly asked the Afghan interim government to prevent organisations like the BLA from operating within its borders,” Khan said. Pakistan has previously provided evidence to Afghan authorities regarding militant safe havens. Despite ongoing tensions, Islamabad remains committed to counterterrorism cooperation.

According to the ISPR, the attack took place in a remote area, making rescue efforts challenging. The Army, Air Force, and Frontier Corps participated in the operation, with Special Service Group (SSG) personnel also involved. The ISPR statement revealed that the attackers included suicide bombers and that 4 security personnel lost their lives while preventing further casualties.